HomeMy WebLinkAbout001 ANNX ZMA NarrativeGallatin Meadows Annexation &
Initial Zoning
November 2021
2 November 2021
Annexation & Initial Zoning: Gallatin Meadows
Table of Contents
1. Application Forms & Checklists
2. Project Team
3. Narrative
I. Project Overview
II. Response to Annexation & Zone Map Amendment Approval Criteria
III. Response to Spot Zoning Criteria
Appendices
Appendix A.1: Vicinity Map
Appendix A.2: Current Zoning Map
Appendix A.3: Future Land Use Map
Appendix A.4: Proposed Zoning Map
Appendix B.1: Annexation Map
Appendix B.2: Zone Map Amendment Map
Appendix B.3: Zone Map Amendment Editable Legal Description
3 November 2021
Annexation & Initial Zoning: Gallatin Meadows
1. Application Forms & Fees
The required application forms for the Gallatin Meadows Annexation and Initial Zoning
have been included in this submittal. The calculated fee totals are outlined below.
COMPONENT FEE (2021-22) QUANTITY TOTAL
Annexation $2,122.00 1 $2,122.00
TOTAL $ 2,122.00
4 November 2021
Annexation & Initial Zoning: Gallatin Meadows
2. Project Team
APPLICANT Virga Capital
Attn: Rob Lateiner
PO Box 1070
Bozeman, MT 59771
Ph. 406.599.9479
Email: Rob@virgacapital.com
PROJECT CONSULTANTS
Planning Intrinsik Architecture, Inc.
Attn: Tyler Steinway
106 East Babcock Street Suite 1A
Bozeman, MT 59715
Ph. 406.582.8988
Email: tsteinway@intrinsikarchitecture.com
Engineering Morrison - Maierle
Attn: Matt Ekstrom
2880 Technology Boulevard W
Bozeman, MT 59715
Ph. 406.522.8594
Email: mekstrom@m-m.net
5 November 2021
Annexation & Initial Zoning: Gallatin Meadows
3. Narrative
Executive Summary
The project team is submitting an application for Annexation and Initial Zoning of REMU
for three (3) parcels totaling 114.69 acres lying south west of the intersection of Davis
Lane and East Valley Center Drive (Appendix A.1). The property currently wholly lies
within Gallatin County, and is zoned AS (Agriculture Suburban) (Appendix A.2 ). The
property is well with the Urban Services Boundary and is a logical and timely annexation
for Bozeman.
I. Project Overview
The City of Bozeman has designated these parcels as Urban Neighborhood within the
Future Land Use Map included in the City’s effective Community Plan (Appendix A.3).
The applicant is requesting REMU (Residential Emphasis Mixed-use District) for this
property, which is an allowed implementing zone of the designated Future Land Use
category (Appendix A.4).
This parcel is surrounded by annexed land to the north and east of the site, although
unannexed County lands abut the parcel on its southern, and western boundaries. The
properties directly to the east is zoned R-5 and a little further east the Billings Clinic
site is zoned B-2. Bordering our site on the north is East Valley Center Drive, a main
transportation connection to Bozeman designated by the City as a Principal Arterial. To
the west is an older large lot single family subdivision that is currently located in an
unzoned portion of Gallatin County.
No development is proposed concurrent with this application. Future development of
this infill site is still being conceptualized, but the programming is likely to include mix
of complimentary residential and non-residential uses. The applicant team envisions a
variety of housing types with associated parkland and open space areas. Smaller scale
commercial uses may also be proposed for key portions of the site, but the primary
character of the REMU zoned property will be residential in nature. Future applications,
such as subdivision or concept plans, will explore these development ideas further,
ensuring that any future construction at this site meets all required standards.
For this submittal, the enclosed applications materials meet the necessary criteria for
approval of the Annexation and Initial Zoning requests as described in detail below.
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Annexation & Initial Zoning: Gallatin Meadows
II. Responses to Annexation & Zone Map Criteria
Annexation Approval Criteria
The Applicant understands that the annexation of a property is subject to the goals and
policies established by Commission Resolution No. 4400. These goals and policies are
outlined and addressed below. In addition, the Annexation Map and Zone Map
Amendment Exhibits are included with this application for further reference (Appendix
B.1 & B.2).
Annexation Goals
1. The City of Bozeman encourages annexations of land contiguous to the City.
Response: The project site is contiguous to the City of Bozeman, with the
eastern boundary of the site providing the required contiguity.
2. The City encourages all areas that are totally surrounded by the City to annex.
Response: This site is not completely surrounded by annexed property but its
eastern edge is contiguous with annexed property. This goal is mainly for
particular properties within the existing City boundary.
3. The City encourages all properties currently contracting with the City for City
services such as water, sanitary sewer, and/or fire protection to annex.
Response: The property is not currently contracting with the City for services
but intends to do so upon annexation as is required.
4. The City of Bozeman requires annexation of all land proposed for development lying
within the existing and planned service area of the municipal water and sewer systems
as depicted in their respective facility plans, any land proposed for development that
proposes to utilize municipal water or sewer systems.
Response: The Property is located within the urban growth area and service
boundary of the existing municipal water and sewer systems.
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Annexation & Initial Zoning: Gallatin Meadows
5. The City encourages annexations within the urban area identified on the future land
use map in the current Bozeman Growth Policy.
Response: The property is located within the proposed urban growth area and
is a logical extension of the City with multiple street, trail, and open space
connections to existing and adjacent residential and commercial
neighborhoods.
6. The City of Bozeman encourages annexations to make the City boundaries more
regular rather than creating irregular extensions which leave unannexed gaps between
annexed areas or islands of annexed or unannexed land.
Response: The annexation of this property would create a more regular
extension of the City’s boundaries and is a logical and timely addition to the
City.
7. The City of Bozeman encourages annexations which will enhance the existing traffic
circulation system or provide for circulation systems that do not exist at the present
time.
Response: The applicant intends to extend North Ferguson Road, as wells the
planned PROST trail on site.
8. The City prefers annexation of parcels of land larger than five (5) acres in size, but
will allow annexation of smaller parcels if factors such as topographic limitations,
sanitary disposal needs, fire access, maintenance of public facilities, etc., justify a
smaller annexation.
Response: The project site is significant, at approximately 114 acres.
9. The City seeks to obtain water rights adequate for future development of the
property with annexation.
Response: The Applicant agrees to provide required water rights as the project
is developed.
10. The City of Bozeman encourages annexations for City provision of clean treated
water and sanitary sewer.
Response: Annexation of the property will result in extending City water and
sanitary sewer services as well as a comprehensive stormwater management
following a City approved plan.
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Annexation & Initial Zoning: Gallatin Meadows
Annexation Policies
1. Annexations must include dedication of all easements for rights-of-way for collector
and arterial streets, adjacent local streets, public water, sanitary sewer, or storm or
sewer mains, and Class I public trails not within the right of way for arterial or collector
streets. Annexations must also include waivers of right to protest the creation of
special or improvement districts necessary to provide the essential services for future
development of the City.
Response: The Applicant understands the requirements of annexation and each
of the adopted policies associated with annexation. The Applicant is willing to
dedicate any required easements and rights -of-way, sign waivers of right to
protest for future SIDs, and transfer usable water rights as the property is
developed.
2. Issues pertaining to master planning and zoning must be addressed prior to or in
conjunction with the application for annexation.
Response: Understood. A request for initial zoning has been submitted with this
application. Adjacent conditions, circulation, potential open space and
watercourses all were taken into account when determining requested
zoning.
3. The application for annexation must be in conformance with the current Bozeman
Growth Policy. If a Growth Policy Amendment is necessary to accommodate anticipated
uses, the amendment process must be initiated by the property owner and completed
prior to any action for approval of the application for annexation.
Response: The requested REMU zoning is authorized for application within the
Urban Neighborhood Future Land Use category.
4. Initial zoning classification of the property to be annexed will be determined by the
City Commission, in compliance with the Bozeman Growth Policy and upon a
recommendation of the City Zoning Commission, simultaneously with review of the
annexation petition.
Response: Understood. The request for initial zoning has been submitted with
this application.
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Annexation & Initial Zoning: Gallatin Meadows
5. The applicant must indicate their preferred zoning classification as part of the
annexation petition.
Response: The applicant is requesting REMU (Residential Emphasis Mixed -use
District) for this project. Additional information on the requested zoning is
included below to satisfy the requirements for initial zoning of the to be
annexed site.
6. Fees for annexation processing will be established by the City Commission.
Response: The applicant understands that there is a fee associated with the
annexation and zoning of this parcel. The required fee will be submitted as part
of a complete application.
7. It is the policy of the City that annexations will not be approved where unpaved
county roads will be the most commonly used route to gain access to the property
unless the landowner proposes a method to provide for construction of the road to the
City’s street standards.
Response: No unpaved county roads are proposed for access to the property.
The applicant intends to install road improvements onsite and adjacent to the
site to ensure the project is served by roads that are designed and constructed
according to the City’s street standards.
8. Prior to annexation of property, the City will require the property owner to acquire
adequate and useable water rights, or an appropriate fee in lieu thereof, in accordance
with Section 38.410.130 of the municipal code, as amended.
Response: The Applicant agrees to provide required water rights as the project
is developed.
9. Infrastructure and emergency services for an area proposed for annexation will be
reviewed for the health, safety and welfare of the public and conformance with the
City’s adopted facility plans. If the City determines adequate services cannot be
provided to ensure public health, safety and welfare, the City may require the property
owner to provide a written plan for accommodation of these services, or the City may
reject the petition for annexation. Additionally, the parcel to be annexed may only be
provided sanitary sewer service via the applicable drainage basin defined in the City
Wastewater Collection Facilities Plan.
Response: Adequate infrastructure and emergency services currently exist to
serve the property, although no development is currently proposed with this
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Annexation & Initial Zoning: Gallatin Meadows
application. The subject property is currently located within the jurisdiction of
the City of Bozeman Fire and Police Departments, and the service area of
American Medical Response ambulances. Future site development will conform
to City of Bozeman public safety, building, watercourse setbacks, and land use
requirements in compliance with the UDC, as well as all applicable building
codes to help secure safety from fire and other dangers.
The City’s adopted plans for municipal transportation, water, sewer, parks, and
other facilities and services ensure that this site will have services necessary to
serve future site development. This infill project site lies within the City’s
sewer, storm water and water facility plan boundaries. The applicant will
propose adequate services, in accordance with these plans, in future
applications for City approval prior to construction at this site.
Future submittals will be reviewed for compliance with the City’s codes to
ensure the general welfare will be supported through appropriate
contributions to schools and parks. Here again, site plans, subdivision
proposals, or other development applications will ensure adequate capacity for
all required municipal services.
10. The City may require annexation of any contiguous property for which city services
are requested or for which city services are currently being provided. In addition, any
person, firm, or corporation receiving water or sewer service outside of the City limits
is required as a condition of initiating or continuing such service, to consent to
annexation of the property serviced by the City. The City Manager may enter into an
agreement with a property owner for connection to the City’s sanitary sewer or water
system in an emergency conditioned upon the submittal by the property owner of a
petition for annexation and filing of a notice of consent to annexation with the Gallatin
County Clerk and Recorder’s Office. The contract for connection to city sewer and/or
water must require the property owner to annex or consent to disconnection of the
services. Connection for purposes of obtaining City sewer services in an emergency
requires, when feasible as determined by the City, the connection to City water
services.
Response: City services will be requested for development of this parcel.
11. The annexation application shall be accompanied by mapping to meet the
requirements of the Director of Public Works. Where an area to be annexed can be
entirely described by reference to a certificate of survey or subdivision plat on file with
the Gallatin County Clerk and Recorder.
Response: The required mapping materials have been included in this submittal
as Appendix B.1.
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Annexation & Initial Zoning: Gallatin Meadows
12. The mapping may be waived by the Director of Public Works.
Response: Understood. The applicant has provided the requested mapping
information.
13. The City will assess system development/impact fees in accordance with Montana
law and Chapter 2, Article 6, Division 9, Bozeman Municipal Code.
Response: The Applicant acknowledges and understands this requirement.
14.Public notice requirements: Notice for annexation of property must be coordinated
with the required notice for the zone map amendment required with all annexation. The
zone map amendment notice must contain the materials required by 38.220.410, BMC.
Response: Required public notice materials for the annexation and zone map
amendment have been provided with this submittal.
15. Annexation agreements must be executed and returned to the City within 60 days of
distribution of the annexation agreement by the City, unless another time is specifically
identified by the City Commission.
Response: The applicant team would like to begin to coordinate on preparing
the Annexation agreement prior to final review and possible annexation
approval by City Commission. Please advise on best next steps to accomplish
this task.
16. When possible, the use of Part 46 annexations is preferred.
Response: Part 46 annexation is not applicable.
17. Where a road improvement district has been created, the annexation does not
repeal the creation of the district. The City will not assume operations of the district
until the entirety of the district has been annexed. Any funds held in trust for the
district will be used to benefit the district after transfer to the City. Inclusion within a
district does not lessen the obligation to participate in general city programs that
address the same subject.
Response: Understood.
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Annexation & Initial Zoning: Gallatin Meadows
18. The City will notify the Gallatin County Planning Department and Fire District
providing service to the area of applications for annexation.
Response: Acknowledged.
19. The City will require connection to and use of all City services upon development of
annexed properties. The City may establish a fixed time frame for connection to
municipal utilities. Upon development, unless otherwise approved by the City, septic
systems must be properly abandoned and the development connected to the City
sanitary sewer system. Upon development, unless otherwise approved by the City,
water wells on the subject property may be used for irrigation, but any potable uses
must be supplied from the City water distribution system and any wells disconnected
from structures. The property owner must contact the City Water and Sewer
Superintendent to verify disconnects of wells and septic systems.
Response: Upon future development the applicant intends to connect to and
use City services. The applicant team understands the additional requirements
of this annexation policy and will intend to abide by this standard and verify
future disconnects as applicable.
20. Additional Site Information
Response: No additional site information has been requested nor has the
applicant identified additional materials relevant to this application that are
essential to include in this packet for review.
INITIAL ZONING REQUEST
Below are responses to the ZMA approval criteria (Section 76 -2-304, MCA) that address
how the project relates to and meets the criteria outlined for the approval of a zone
map amendment as outlined in the narrative above and within the attached ZMA
exhibits.
A. Is the new zoning designed in accordance with the growth policy?
Yes, therefore this criterion has been met. The future land use for the subject
property was amended with the adoption of the 2020 Bozeman Community Plan
and each zone requested is allowed within the approved Future Land Use
category for this site.
As is shown in the figure above, REMU is allowed within Urban Neighborhood
Future Land Use category. The proposed zoning would provide for development
opportunities for a wider variety of housing types, neighborhood -scale
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Annexation & Initial Zoning: Gallatin Meadows
commercial uses, and land development patterns to unfold. REMU offers
allowances for additional density to provide for urban-scale mixed-use
development options.
Approval of this request and subsequent property development under the
proposed zoning would also reinforce the following objectives of the
Community Plan:
R-2.3 Make good financial investments that have the potential for economic
benefit to the investor and the broader community both through direct and
indirect returns.
N-1.1 Promote housing diversity, including missing middle housing.
N-1.3 Revise the zoning map to lessen areas exclusively zoned for single -type
housing.
N-1.10 Increase connectivity between parks and neighborhoods through
continued trail and sidewalk development. Prioritize closing gaps within the
network.
N-1.11 Enable a gradual and predictable increase in density in developed areas
over time.
N-2.1 Ensure the zoning map identifies locations for neighborhood and
community commercial nodes early in the development process.
N-2.2 Revise the zoning map to support higher intensity residential districts
near schools, services, and transportation.
N-2.3 Investigate and encourage development of commerce concurrent with, or
soon after, residential development. Actions, staff, and budgetary resources
relating to neighborhood commercial development should be given a high
priority.
N-3.1 Establish standards for provisions of diversity of housing types in a given
area.
N-4.1 Continue to recognize and honor the unique history, neighborhoods,
neighborhood character, and buildings that contribute to Bozeman ’s sense of
place through programs and policy led by both City and community efforts.
DCD-1.1 Evaluate alternatives for more intensive development in proximity to
high visibility corners, services, and parks.
DCD-1.2 Remove regulatory barriers to infill.
DCD-1.7 Coordinate infrastructure construction, maintenance, and upgrades to
support infill development, reduce costs, and minimize disruption to the public.
DCD-1.9 Promote mixed-use developments with access to parks, open space,
and transit options.
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Annexation & Initial Zoning: Gallatin Meadows
DCD-1.11 Pursue annexations consistent with the future land use map and
adopted facility plans for development at urban intensity.
DCD-2.1 Coordinate infrastructure development, land use development, and
other City actions and priorities through community planning.
DCD-2.2. Support higher density development along main corridors and at high
visibility street corners to accommodate population growth and support
businesses.
DCD-2.5 Identify and zone appropriate locations for neighborhood-scale
commercial development.
DCD-3.1 Expand multimodal accessibility between districts and throughout the
City as a means of promoting personal and environmental health, as well as
reducing automobile dependency.
EPO-1.1 Coordinate the location of existing and future parks to create
opportunities for linear parks to connect larger parks. Prioritize quality
locations and features in parks over quantity of parks.
EPO-2.1 Where appropriate, activate connections to waterways by creating
locations, adjacent trails, and amenities encouraging people to access them.
EPO-3.2 Ensure complete streets and identify long-term resources for the
maintenance of year-round bike and multi-use paths to improve utilization and
reduce annual per capita vehicle miles traveled.
M-1.1 Prioritize mixed-use land use patterns. Encourage and enable the
development of housing, jobs, and services in close proximity to one another.
M-1.4 Develop safe, connected, and complementary transportation networks for
pedestrians, bicyclists, and users of other personal mobility devices ( e -bikes,
electric scooters, powered wheelchairs, etc.).
M-1.11 Prioritize and construct key sidewalk connections and enhancements.
M-2.5 Develop safe crossings along priority and high utilization pedestrian and
biking corridors.
EE-1.3 Continue to facilitate live/work opportunities as a way to support small,
local businesses in all zoning districts.
RC-3.3 Prioritize annexations that enable the incremental expansion of the City
and its utilities.
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Annexation & Initial Zoning: Gallatin Meadows
RC-3.4 Encourage annexation of land adjacent to the City prior to development
and encourage annexation of wholly surrounded areas. The Bozeman
Community Plan 2020 includes the justifications necessary to support a change
in zoning. This application addresses two of those justifications: 1) a change in
correlation between zoning and growth policy, and 2) the owner requests the
change and can meet required standards. This narrative demonstrates that the
relevant standards for each have been met and that no conflicts with the
growth policy have been identified. To the contrary and as described above, the
Community Plan bolsters the applicants request for rezoning to REMU for this
property.
B. Will the new zoning secure safety from fire and other dangers?
Yes, therefore this criterion has been met. The subject property is currently
located within the jurisdiction of the City of Bozeman Fire and Police
Departments, and the service area of American Medical Response ambulances.
Future site development will conform to City of Bozeman public safety,
building, watercourse setbacks, and land use requirements in compliance with
the UDC, as well as all applicable building codes to help secure safety from fire
and other dangers. The zone change is therefore unlikely to adversely impact
site safety.
C. Will the new zoning promote public health, public safety and general welfare?
Yes, therefore this criterion has been met. All future development of the site
will require compliance with the City’s Unified Development Code,
administration of which is employed by the City to ensure the promotion of
public health, safety, and general welfare. The zone change will not place an
undue burden on municipal services, emergency response capability, or the
general public.
D. Will the new zoning facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water,
sewerage, schools, parks, and other public requirements?
Yes, therefore this criterion has been met. The City’s adopted plans for
municipal transportation, water, sewer, parks, and other facilities and services
ensure that this site will have services necessary to serve new development.
This infill project site lies within the City’s sewer, storm water and water
facility plan boundaries.
Future submittals will be reviewed for compliance with the City’s codes to
ensure appropriate levels of transportation, water, sewer, schools, and parks
are provided. Site plans, subdivision proposal, or other development
applications will ensure adequate capacity for all required municipal services.
As is stated in in the UDC, the designation of a zoning district does not
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Annexation & Initial Zoning: Gallatin Meadows
guarantee approval of proposed development plans until the City can verify the
availability of needed infrastructure and services.
E. Will the new zoning provide reasonable provision of adequate light and air?
Yes, therefore this criterion has been met. The City of Bozeman’s UDC includes
standard’s that address setbacks, park dedication, on-site open space, and
building design standards to address this requirement. Moreover, the building
codes have standards for ingress and egress, ventilation, and related subjects
that further support the provision of adequate light and air. Future site
development will require compliance with all applicable City codes and
standards necessary to ensure these primary human needs, and thus the
proposed zoning will not have a negative impact on future provision of
adequate light and air for future site residents and employees.
F. Will the new zoning have an effect on motorize and non-motorized transportation
systems?
Yes, therefore this criterion has been met. The City’s transportation plan is
used to evaluate transportation needs over the long term across the municipal
area to account for the impacts of motorized vehicles as well as bikes and
pedestrians. The parks and trails plans also examine and specify options for
extensions of the existing trail network through this site.
Future site development will examine impacts on the transportation network,
parks, and trails system, and municipal facilities. Furthermore, these future
development reviews will ensure that development under the new zoning will
comply with the City’s standards for the provision of onsite parking for bicycles
and vehicles, as well as the requirements for onsite circulation.
Traffic impacts will be studied by the development team to demonstrate
compliance with the City’s long-range transportation plans. Future project
development will ensure compliance with the acceptable traffic limits
identified in the transportation plans, as well as provide for the dedication of
rights of way, construction or reconstruction of streets and trails, payment of
impact fees, and other contributions as will be applicable to this project.
G. Does the new zoning promote compatible urban growth?
Yes, therefore this criterion has been met. The Bozeman Community Plan
establishes a preferred and compatible development pattern through the
Future Land Use Map, which establishes generalized expectations for what goes
where in the community. Moreover, the UDC explicitly defines compatible
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Annexation & Initial Zoning: Gallatin Meadows
urban growth, which does not require uniformity in order to ensure
compatibility. The City’s zoning ordinances define the uses and development
standards associated for projects proposed under the auspices of each zone.
The REMU zone district includes a range of uses that are appropriate.
The property is designated as Urban Neighborhood on the future land use map,
which allows for BREMU implementing zoning as proposed by the applicant.
Based on the land use map designations and correlated zoning districts in the
plan and proposed by the applicant, the zone map amendment would promote
compatible urban growth. Also see the discussion in (H) below.
Future development under the proposed zoning will look to advance the Actions
within the Climate Plan to create efficient buildings that contain renewable
energy generation infrastructure. Future site planning will look to integrate
compact development patterns that is supported by a variety of transit
infrastructure. Future development will additionally support the Community
Housing Action Plan through the provision of additional housing stock variety
and availability.
H. Does the new zoning promote the character of the district?
Yes, therefore this criterion has been met. The character of the district as the
intent of the REMU Zoning District is to:
“Establish areas within Bozeman that are mixed-use in character and to provide
options for a variety of housing, employment, retail and neighborhood service
opportunities within a new or existing neighborhood. These purposes are
accomplished by:
• Emphasizing residential as the primary use, including single household
dwellings, two to four household dwellings, townhouses, and apartments.
• Providing for a diverse array of neighborhood-scaled commercial and civic
uses supporting residential.
• Emphasizing a vertical and horizontal mix of uses in a compact and walkable
neighborhood setting.
Use of this zone is appropriate for sites at least five acres in size and areas
located adjacent to an existing or planned residential area to help sustain
commercial uses within walking distance and a wider range of housing types.”
This Site is in proximity to residential, agriculture, and commercial, and the
future development of this site under the new zoning will support the
district’s character. Neighborhood scale commercial and the variety of
housing options possible under the proposed zoned will be compatible with
the existing and planned nature of this area. Concept applications are being
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Annexation & Initial Zoning: Gallatin Meadows
prepared to further detail how future development under the proposed
zoning is appropriate. For this review the zone map amendments proposed
do not allow for uses that are significantly different than those currently
allowed, and therefore it is hard to foresee significant and negative impact
on community character.
I. Does the new zoning address the affected area ’s peculiar suitability for particular
uses?
Yes, therefore this criterion has been met. The proposed zone change is
consistent with adjacent zoning, current and proposed uses in the area, and the
Bozeman Community Plan for future land uses. Multiple commercial,
community, and residential uses currently exist in proximity to the subject
site.
Additionally, REMU zoning designations will encourage mixed-use development
adjacent to established and planned multi -modal infrastructure, making this
site particularly suitable for the requested zoning designations. This site will
have flexibility to promote a cohesive neighborhood pattern that will connect
adjacent roadways and corridors, and extend existing public infrastructure.
Moreover this zoning will not impact the UDC requirements for future
development in this location that are intended to support suitable development
City wide.
J. Was the new zoning adopted with a view to conserving the values of buildings?
Yes, therefore this criterion has been met. The site is currently undeveloped
and no buildings have been constructed on this site. Therefore, the proposed
zoning will have not impact on the conservation of values of buildings at this
site.
K. Does the new zoning encourage the most appropriate use of land throughout the
jurisdictional area?
Yes, therefore this criterion has been met. The proposed zone change is
consistent with the FLUM outlined in the Bozeman Community Plan as
demonstrated throughout this narrative. Increased residential and mixed use
density is appropriate at this location due to the proximity to roadway and
transportation systems. Therefore, the proposed REMU zoning will further
encourage development that represents the highest and best use of this infill
site.
As stated above, the Bozeman Community Plan is the tool utilized to illustrate
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Annexation & Initial Zoning: Gallatin Meadows
the most appropriate use the project sites. In this case, urban-scale residential
and mixed-use development are shown in that Plan as the most appropriate
types of development for the property. The Unified Development Code further
contains standards and review procedures that will to ensure the land is
developed in ways that protect and promote public health, safety, and general
welfare, and further ensure appropriate future development of this property.
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Annexation & Initial Zoning: Gallatin Meadows
III. Response to Spot Zoning Criteria
A. Are the requested zoning designation and potential uses significantly different
from the prevailing uses in the area?
No, therefore this criterion has been met.
There is considerable diversity of uses in the area ranging from dense
multi-family, single family homes and commercial and agriculture uses.
Bozeman has deliberately developed a zoning system that includes
district with diverse uses and opportunities. The City has chosen to
encourage diverse development and avoid single use concentrations.
REMU would not create a future development pattern that is significantly
different than the uses allowed in the residential R-5 or commercial B-2
zones to the east. The area west of this site is a large lot residential
subdivision in an un-zoned portion of Gallatin County. REMU zones are
intended to be mixed-use in character, and are best located in proximity
to neighborhood scale development. REMU offers a diverse array of
possible land uses, and those envisioned for this site will enhance the
character of the area and contribute to the sense of place for the
neighborhood. REMU zoning and the potential uses are therefore not
significantly different from the prevailing zones and uses in proximity.
Furthermore , any future development at this site will be in compliance
with the proposed REMU zoning district which provides for
predominantly residential development which includes uses similar to the
residential land uses in the area.
B. Does the requested zoning designation benefit a small area and only one or a
few landowners, or does the requested zoning benefit the surrounding
neighborhood, community and general public?
This criterion has been met. A zone change for the 114.69 acres has the
potential to benefit both the surrounding neighborhood and the
community as a whole. This change will conceivably prove to be a
beneficial asset to the surrounding area by providing flexibility to enrich
future area growth and transit options, offer support services to a future
mixed-use node, and contribute to the neighborhood fabric in the area. It
is also envisioned that generalized benefits would accrue to the City
when future development occurs at a more intensive level.
21 November 2021
Annexation & Initial Zoning: Gallatin Meadows
C. Is the requested zoning designation compatible with the zoning district ’s plan
or is it special legislation designed to benefit only one or a few landowners at the
expense of the surrounding land owners?
This criterion has been met. This ZMA does not represent special
legislation designed to benefit the land owner at the expense of the
adjacent property owners. The proposed zoning allows similar uses at
similar scales as that of the adjacent properties, and therefore it is
difficult to foresee this proposed change to REMU, respectively, will
negatively impacting the surrounding land owners.
Additionally, the proposed zone change is compatible with City policies
and state statute governing the approval of such requests. This is a
request, simply, is to move to a residential mixed-use zone that offer
more contemporary development options from their existing
counterparts. Compact infill will be the result of redevelopment, and the
requested zoning thus proposes thoughtful future development
opportunities that will meet the needs of the neighborhood and the
community, not negatively impact surrounding land owners.